McCain, Obama to observe 9/11 together

John McCain and Barack Obama issued a joint statement today, saying that in the spirit of American unity after the 2001 terrorist attacks, they will “join together” and “put aside politics” on the seventh anniversary of 9/11. They plan to visit Ground Zero together.

“On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity, to honor the memory of each and every American who died, and to grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones,” said a statement from both campaigns.

To the blog’s withered ear, made twisted and leathery by years of opportunistic political piety that comes into full flower every second week in September, a joint appearance at Ground Zero sounds extremely political, not apolitical. Why not a joint appearance at a blood bank? Why not something that actually helps people in some way other than all eyes on Obama and McCain?

The WSJ adds that on Friday, Obama called McCain to congratulate him on his convention speech, and they got to talking. Obama said since they’d both be in New York Thursday, they should hit Ground Zero together. McCain agreed. Fine enough — but don’t say you’re going to “put aside politics.” It will be a powerful image of the two of them together — a very powerful political image.

What say? Is this actually beautiful and the blog just bitter or is this crass exploitation cloaked in faux high-mindedness? Or is there another option?